Gudi Padva
Gudi Padwa 2023 Date, Time, Puja Vidhi, Rituals, History, and Significance
Gudi Padwa 2023 will be observed on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Gudi Padwa, also spelled as Gudhi Padwa, is an auspicious day that marks the beginning of a new year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus. Gudi Padwa is a regional Hindu festival that is mostly celebrated by the people of Maharashtra and Goa. Gudi Padwa is celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New Year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, which uses the positions of the Sun and the Moon to determine and divide the years into months and days.
Gudi Padwa 2023 Date and Time
Gudi Padwa History and Rituals
The word Gudi Padwa is made of two words - Gudi refers to the flag (garlanded with flowers, mango, and neem leaves, topped with upturned silver or copper vessel) and padwa or padava or padavo comes from the Sanskrit word pratipada which refers to the first day of a lunar fortnight.
The festival of Gudi Padwa is celebrated with colorful floor decorations called rangoli, a special Gudi flag, street processions, dancing, and festive foods.Also Read: When is Gudi Padwa 2023?
Significance of Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa marks the arrival of spring and the reaping of Rabi crops. According to some beliefs, it's the day when Lord Brahma created time and the universe. In some parts of rural Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is linked to Shiva's dance and the coming together of the community as they carry the Gudhi Kavads together to a Shiva temple.
The Gudi flag is believed to ward off evil and invite prosperity and good luck into the house. According to a legend, the Gudi flag symbolizes the victory of King Shalivahana and was hoisted by his people when he returned to the city of Paithan. It's also believed that Gudi symbolizes Lord Rama’s victory against Ravana as this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Rama post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.
Gudi Padwa Rituals
On the day of Gudi Padwa, people hoist Gudi flags outside their homes. The Gudi flag has a bright colorful silk scarf-like cloth tied at the top of a long bamboo. On top of it, boughs of neem leaves and mango leaves are attached along with a garland of flowers. It's further capped with a silver, bronze, or copper pot (handi or kalash) signifying victory or achievement.
On this occasion, people clean their houses and decorate it will rangolis and Mango-Neem leaves. The intricate rangoli designs on the doorsteps of the houses are made with vibrant colors mirroring the burst of colors denoting the arrival of spring. People dress up in new clothes and visit their family, friends, and relatives.
Traditionally, families prepare special Gudi Padwa dishes using bitter leaves of the neem tree and sweet jaggery. The bitter-sweet taste of the Gudi Padwa dish is a reminder of life's sweet and bitter experiences. Maharashtrian families are well known for making many other festive dishes, such as shrikhand and Poori or Puran Poli on this day.
Also Read: What are the rituals of Gudi Padwa?
Gudi Padwa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Gudi Padwa 2023 Date and Time
| Gudi Padwa Date | Wednesday, March 22, 2023 |
| Pratipada Tithi Begins | 10:52 PM on Mar 21, 2023 |
| Pratipada Tithi Ends | 08:20 PM on Mar 22, 2023 |
| Year | Marathi Shaka Samvata 1945 Begins |
The word Gudi Padwa is made of two words - Gudi refers to the flag (garlanded with flowers, mango, and neem leaves, topped with upturned silver or copper vessel) and padwa or padava or padavo comes from the Sanskrit word pratipada which refers to the first day of a lunar fortnight.
The festival of Gudi Padwa is celebrated with colorful floor decorations called rangoli, a special Gudi flag, street processions, dancing, and festive foods.Also Read: When is Gudi Padwa 2023?
Significance of Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa marks the arrival of spring and the reaping of Rabi crops. According to some beliefs, it's the day when Lord Brahma created time and the universe. In some parts of rural Maharashtra, Gudi Padwa is linked to Shiva's dance and the coming together of the community as they carry the Gudhi Kavads together to a Shiva temple.
The Gudi flag is believed to ward off evil and invite prosperity and good luck into the house. According to a legend, the Gudi flag symbolizes the victory of King Shalivahana and was hoisted by his people when he returned to the city of Paithan. It's also believed that Gudi symbolizes Lord Rama’s victory against Ravana as this festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Rama post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of exile.
Gudi Padwa Rituals
On the day of Gudi Padwa, people hoist Gudi flags outside their homes. The Gudi flag has a bright colorful silk scarf-like cloth tied at the top of a long bamboo. On top of it, boughs of neem leaves and mango leaves are attached along with a garland of flowers. It's further capped with a silver, bronze, or copper pot (handi or kalash) signifying victory or achievement.
On this occasion, people clean their houses and decorate it will rangolis and Mango-Neem leaves. The intricate rangoli designs on the doorsteps of the houses are made with vibrant colors mirroring the burst of colors denoting the arrival of spring. People dress up in new clothes and visit their family, friends, and relatives.
Traditionally, families prepare special Gudi Padwa dishes using bitter leaves of the neem tree and sweet jaggery. The bitter-sweet taste of the Gudi Padwa dish is a reminder of life's sweet and bitter experiences. Maharashtrian families are well known for making many other festive dishes, such as shrikhand and Poori or Puran Poli on this day.
Also Read: What are the rituals of Gudi Padwa?
Gudi Padwa Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is Gudi Padwa?
Gudi Padwa is a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the new year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. It is celebrated in the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh in India. - When is Gudi Padwa 2023?
Gudi Padwa is typically celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month of the Hindu calendar, which usually falls in March or April. In 2023, Gudi Padwa will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. - What is the significance of the Gudi?
The Gudi is a stick or pole with a colorful cloth and an inverted silver or copper vessel placed on top of it. It is a symbol of victory and is believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. - How is Gudi Padwa celebrated?
Gudi Padwa is celebrated by hoisting the Gudi outside homes, preparing traditional dishes such as Puran Poli, and exchanging greetings and gifts with family and friends. People also visit temples and offer prayers. - What is the history of Gudi Padwa?
Gudi Padwa has several mythological and historical significances. It is believed to be the day when Lord Brahma created the universe, and also marks the day when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana. It is also believed to be the day when Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned as the king of the Maratha Empire.
